WFD:PARE urges increased budgetary allocations to agric sector to ensure food security

By Samuel Luka,
Bauchi

As the world marks the 2025 World Food Day, the Pastoral Resolve (PARE), a non-profit organization, has appealed to the Nigerian governments at all levels to increase allocations to the agricultural sector in the annual budgets to ensure food security.

The Bauchi office of the PARE, led by Shuaibu Aliyu Kobi made the appeal in a press release on Wednesday, stating that the appeal is based on the theme of this year’s World Food Day, “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”, which aligns with the organization’s objectives, mission, and vision.

Kobi said the organization has been championing better nutrition, livelihood, awareness tours, environmental sustainability, community cohesion, and skills training.

PARE lamented the skyrocketing prices of inputs necessary for farming, such as fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and machines that eases farming activities.

The organization emphasized that the government’s allocation to the agricultural sector is below the global standard, hindering farmers from cultivating diverse crops to provide enough food for the country.

PARE called on the government to increase funding to the agricultural sector, support local farmers, employ additional agricultural extension officers and provide inputs and encourage youth to delve into agriculture.

According to Kobi, “by implementing these recommendations, Nigeria can achieve food security, export to other countries, and use the revenue to improve the lives of its citizens”.

“This can also serve as a means of income for idle youth in the sector”, he added.

PARE commended farmers for their efforts, dedication, and sacrifices toward providing food for millions of people, and urged the government to take immediate action to address the challenges facing farmers and ensure food security for all Nigerians.